Nature-based programmes showed mental health changes, with uncertain evidence
Among adults with anxiety, depression, or stress, pooled scores favored improvement in anxiety and depression after nature-based programmes. The stress result remained uncertain, and study differences limited confidence.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Anxiety and depression scores improved after participants attended nature-based health programmes, while the pooled stress estimate remained compatible with no change. Overall mental health scores also favored improvement. These results do not establish how much improvement was caused by the programmes: the review mixed study designs, and substantial differences among studies reduced certainty in the evidence.
Included studies differed substantially in their design, programmes, settings, and risk of bias. The abstract does not specify assessment timing or explain which comparisons contributed to each pooled change estimate.
The question was clinically specific
The review concerned programmes using natural environments or nature activities for people experiencing defined mental health challenges. It does not establish the effects of everyday outdoor time for the general population, or show that every nature-based activity has the same outcome.
Why the stress result matters
For stress, the uncertainty interval included no change. That leaves an improvement unresolved; it does not demonstrate that the programmes have no effect. Anxiety, depression, and overall mental health were separate measured outcomes and should remain separate when interpreting the findings.
The original publication
Effect of nature-based health interventions for individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression and/or experiencing stress-a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Jessen NH, Løvschall C, Skejø SD et al.
BMJ Open · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40707146
- Record checked
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